Magazine ranking highlights IU programs

For the second consecutive year, several programs that "enhance learning" at Indiana University's Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as "programs that really work" in the magazine's annual ranking of the nation's top colleges and universities.

The magazine once again rated the undergraduate program at IU Bloomington's Kelley School of Business among the top 10 in the nation.

U.S. News recognized IU Bloomington and IUPUI for the quality of their educational experiences for first-year students. They were noted for building into their curricula seminars and programs that bring small groups of students together with faculty.

IUB also was cited for its successful efforts to encourage writing as an important part of the learning process at all levels and in all disciplines, and for the success of its programs for study abroad that provide interaction between students and other cultures.

IUPUI was recognized for its success in promoting learning communities -- building connections among fellow students and between students and professors -- and for its efforts to promote service learning -- the use of volunteering in the community as an educational strategy.

Among undergraduate schools of business at public and private institutions, IUB's Kelley School of Business was rated 10th. The Kelley School placed second only to the University of Michigan among undergraduate schools of business in the Big Ten. Its management specialty also was recognized as being the fourth-best in the country.

Overall, the magazine ranked Indiana University Bloomington in a tie for 27th among public national research universities. IU Northwest again was rated as being one of the most diverse master's level universities in the Midwest.

The magazine announced that changes have been made to its methodology for this year's ranking. As a result, year-to-year comparisons are not valid. The rankings no longer include the yield rate -- the percentage of students who actually enroll in a school -- which had been controversial nationally because of its influence on school choice.